Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) came out swinging, topping expectations in the fourth quarter as demand held firm across core categories.
Strong execution in oral care and pet nutrition helped the company shrug off pressure in a tougher global backdrop.
Quarterly Sales
The company reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 95 cents, beating the analyst consensus estimate of 91 cents. Quarterly sales of $5.230 billion, beating the Street view of $5.118 billion.
Net sales rose 5.8% during the period. Organic sales increased 2.2%, with a 0.9% drag from lower private-label pet volume.
Colgate maintained its global toothpaste lead with a 41.3% year-to-date share. The company also held its top spot in manual toothbrushes at 32.4% year to date.
Gross profit in the quarter …